The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority has signed a $4 billion agreement with an international consortium last week (6 August), including companies from Türkiye, Qatar and the United States, aiming to expand Damascus International Airport.
The consortium, comprising UCC Concessions Investments LLC (Qatar), Assets Investments USA LLC (USA), and Türkiye’s Cengiz İnşaat, Kalyon İnşaat, and TAV Tepe Akfen, will carry out the build-operate-transfer project in five phases, aiming to achieve an annual passenger capacity of 31 million.
The project is considered as a major milestone among Syria’s reconstruction efforts, designed to improve global connectivity and stimulate economic growth, trade, and tourism.
As one of the most substantial infrastructure investments in Syria in recent decades, it underscores the country’s efforts to reestablish its role in the region and regain its place on international air routes, said the statement following the signing ceremony.
The signing ceremony took place in Damascus in the presence of Mr. Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, representatives of the Qatari Embassy in Syria, senior official delegations, and a number of diplomats. The agreement was signed by Mr. Omar Al-Husari, Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation – representing the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic – along with Mr. Mohammad Moataz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of UCC Holding; Mr. Sani Şener, Chairman of TAV; Mr. Anthony Salter, CEO of Assets Investments USA; Mr. Murat Ergonul, Board Member of Cengiz İnşaat; and Mr. Murathan Kalyoncu, Chairman of Kalyon İnşaat.
The project will be implemented in five successive phases, beginning with an increase in passenger capacity to 6 million in the first year, followed by 16 million after the second phase, and ultimately reaching 31 million annually upon full completion.
The new airport will feature up to 32 gates with modern passenger boarding bridges, a fully integrated air navigation system, and a world-class duty-free zone offering a wide range of international restaurants, premium cafés, and top fashion brands—positioning it as one of the region’s most advanced airports.
The project also includes the development of a main access road extending up to 50 kilometres, as well as a $250 million investment to acquire up to 10 Airbus A320 aircraft for Syrian Airlines, aimed at strengthening the fleet and boosting the national carrier’s competitiveness.
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